Overview - ISO 10808:2010 (Nanotechnologies)
ISO 10808:2010 specifies requirements and gives guidance for the characterization of airborne nanoparticles in inhalation exposure chambers used in inhalation toxicity testing. The standard defines how to measure and report key dose metrics - particle number concentration, size distribution, mass concentration and composition - to support reliable inhalation toxicology and exposure assessment for nanomaterials.
Key SEO phrases: ISO 10808:2010, nanoparticle characterization, inhalation exposure chambers, inhalation toxicity testing.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose
- Characterize airborne nanoparticles in exposure chambers for inhalation studies (nose-only or whole-body).
- Support quantitative relationships between toxicological outcomes and nanoparticle dose metrics.
- Essential metrics
- Particle number concentration and number-based size distribution (e.g., using a DMAS).
- Mass concentration and (where relevant) surface area, morphology and chemical composition.
- Measurement systems and instrumentation
- Use of differential mobility analyzing systems (DMAS) and condensation particle counters (CPC) for size and count.
- Morphological and elemental analysis via TEM / SEM with energy dispersive X‑ray analysis (EDXA).
- Calibration and routine verification of instruments in accordance with ISO 15900.
- Chamber and sampling considerations
- Breathing-zone sampling to reflect the animal or subject exposure.
- Characterize sampling manifolds and tubing to minimize deposition losses (Brownian diffusion, aggregation).
- Monitor airflow, temperature and humidity continuously during exposures.
- Consideration of charge neutralization if electrical charge distribution is relevant.
- Study conduct and reporting
- Continuous or intermittent monitoring to demonstrate stable exposure concentrations.
- Documentation of system preparation, calibration, sampling locations and result assessment.
Practical applications and who uses this standard
ISO 10808:2010 is used by:
- Toxicologists and inhalation testing laboratories performing aerosolized nanomaterial studies.
- Occupational health and safety professionals assessing worker exposure to engineered nanoparticles.
- Regulatory bodies and contract research organizations (CROs) designing inhalation toxicology studies for risk assessment and compliance.
- Nanomaterials manufacturers and product safety teams validating inhalation exposure systems and dosimetry.
Benefits include improved reproducibility of inhalation studies, robust dose–response data for nano-specific metrics (number, surface area, mass), and clearer support for regulatory decision-making.
Related standards and guidance
- ISO 15900 (differential electrical mobility analysis)
- ISO/TS 27687 (nanotechnology terminology)
- ISO 10312 (TEM asbestos method - referenced technique)
- OECD TG 403, TG 412, TG 413 and GD 39 (inhalation toxicity test guidelines)
Keywords: nanoparticle characterization, inhalation toxicology, DMAS, particle size distribution, number concentration, ISO standards.